Customer Reviews

The Builder And The Architect

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There's three features of this CD that set it apart and make it a compelling, amazing treat for the ears. First, there's Sandra McCracken's voice, one of the most emotionally nuanced voices I've ever heard. I never tire of listening to her, and every listen reveals something else amazing about her vocals. Second, there's the choice of material, some of the most encouraging and substantive I've heard. In an age in which sentimentality and fluff repeated ad nauseum seem to dominate the Christian music scene, McCracken's songs reflect both the realism and hope that should characterize quality Christian music. Third, the production, sparse but multitextured, layered and never in the way - it's like spice sprinkled sparingly to food, making it tasty rather than overpowering it. I could go on, but I'll just leave you with one thought: This CD just gets better with every hearing. It's a gift from a gifted artist and a genuine treasure you'll treasure!

Sandra McCracken, wife of Derek Webb (formerly of Caedmon's Call) is the best at what she does. Sandra takes old hymns (ones you have never even heard of!) from centuries ago and rewrites the music in a modern day, folksy/country sort of way. With her great vocals (a mix of Sheryl Crow/Emmylou Harris/Cheri Keaggy/Sara McLachlan) and emotional delivery of each passionate word, Sandra has made me appreciate hymns in such a different way. I have always loved the lyrics of a lot of hymns, but become bored with the piano/organ that sometime drones on and on. Not in this case. This has perfect instrumentation, with acoustic guitars, percussion (no drums, though), and banjos, etc. It also has "Awake My Soul," a song that was recorded by Caedmon's Call and Derek Webb. I think I like Derek's version better (with Sandra doing background vocals), but this is a great rendition that is slower. My favorite tracks are the following: Thy Mercy Thy God, The Love Of Christ Is Rich and Free, Abiding City, Awake My Soul, and Rock Of Ages...but all are great. Since Amazon does not have a track listing, here you go:
1. Thy Mercy, My God
2. Grace Upon Grace
3. The Love Of Christ Is Rich And Free
4. In The Secret Of His Presence
5. I Boast No More
6. Jesus The Lord My Savior Is
7. Abiding City
8. Sovereign Grace
9. Awake My Soul
10. Rock Of Ages (When The Day Seems Long)

The Builder and the Architect stands out among the many contemporary recordings of hymns. The less is more production and the alternative folk-rock creates a pleasant sound. It's decidedly acoustic with some retro-sounding electric guitars and Garett Buell's creative percussion, which more than makes up for the absence of traditional drums.

Banjo playing that creeps along and what may be an accordion (but sounds like a recorder) give a couple of tracks a slight Sufjan Stevens feel. One of those--"Thy Mercy, My God"--is a remake from Sandra's early recording of the same song on Pilgrim Days: Indelible Grace II. This is a slower, more acoustic version that features some exquisite harmonizing between Sandra and husband, Derek Webb. It includes the addition of a chorus of "hallelujahs." This definitely surpasses her earlier version.

Sandra and Derek play most of the instruments on the recording, and Derek does a great job of providing understated harmonies. Others like Kenny Meeks lend their talents on select songs.

On "Grace Upon Grace," as Sandra and Derek sing the chorus, "Grace upon grace every sin repaired every void restored," it's as if I can here a smile in their voices. It's a moment of joy.

I'm so glad that I discovered Derek Webb and now Sandra McCracken. In early 2006, they along with a number of artists including Andrew Peterson, Jill Phillips and Randall Goodgame formed the Square Peg Alliance. Formed for mutual encouragement and support, it's a group of artists that individually are making great music. This hymns release is just one example of the fine work that they are doing.

It's not easy to take songs like hymns that are rich in theology and join them to compelling music, but Sandra has done a superb job. She has written most of the new music for these ten songs. Another plus is that almost all of these hymns are uncommon ones. The most recognizable is "Thy Mercy, My God." Aside from Isaac Watts, the authors of these texts are lesser known and include: Anne Steele, Joseph Hart, William Gadsby, and Puritan writers Thomas Kelly and John Stocker. The lyrics traverse the themes of grace, mercy and the love of God for fallen sinners.

Sandra wrote the lyrics to the last two songs, which are two of the strongest tracks and could pass for hymns. Not since Twila Paris have I heard anyone do such a good job of writing a contemporary hymn.

One of the highlights is the duet with Buddy Miller on "I Boast No More." Like so many of these songs, the music, vocals and production combine for a relaxed and delightful sound.

Listening to Sandra's lovely voice invites comparisons with Nichole Nordeman and Carolyn Arends. The soft and delicate side can be heard on the slower songs. It also lends itself well to the mostly mid-tempo folk arrangements found here.

It's a shame that this recording hasn't received more publicity. Aside from being one of the better hymn recordings, this is so well done that you forget you are listening to a collection of ancient texts.

I think this is Sandra McCracken's best album. It highlights the intricacies of her voice and makes it shine. The song lyrics are beautiful; many of them are old hymns that she has set to new music. I've already bought this for myself and my brother, and I'm planning to get it for my parents too. We all love it.

Sandra McCracken's offering is one of my favourites. It is in her usual folk-acoustic style. All of her arrangements are creative and interesting. I never get the feeling that this song is just more of the same. She does redo a few arrangements from her work with Indelible Grace, but these too are good listening. On top of it all, she gets the Christian message, and come comes across in her music and in her choices of old hymns.

Here is a wonderful work of art! God honoring, and full of praise of His grace. Should we be surprised Derek Webb's wife sings a beautiful and rich tune?

This is a very folk-ish cd, and has a serious feel to it. Love Thy Mercy My God- but others are really good as well.

This is a tremendous CD, full of original and creative music, and lyrics old and deep. For those who are weary of shallow contemporary Christian pop music, this CD is balm for the soul.